Modernizing Maharashtra's Grid: ₹510 Crore Boost for Key HVDC Link

The Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company (MSETCL) has proposed an upgrade to the control and protection system of the Chandrapur–Padghe High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) link—a vital component of Maharashtra’s power infrastructure.

The proposal, approved by the Maharashtra Transmission Committee (MTC), is currently awaiting final clearance from the Grid Coordination Committee (GCC). With an estimated cost of ₹510 crore, the project is slated for commissioning in FY28 (April 2027 to March 2028).

Commissioned in 1999 by ABB and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), the ±500kV, 1,500 MW Chandrapur–Padghe HVDC bipole link plays a key role in maintaining grid stability across western Maharashtra. However, its control system relies on outdated Single Board Computer (SBC) technology operating on the obsolete Disk Operating System (DOS). Since 2014, the aging system has caused 21 instances of unnecessary tripping due to control failures.

To address these challenges, MSETCL plans to implement the Modular Advanced Control for HVDC (MACH) system developed by Hitachi Energy. The upgraded system will enhance fault detection, improve operational reliability, and ensure local availability of technical support—bolstering the resilience and efficiency of Maharashtra’s power transmission network.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.